Date of Graduation
Summer 2024
Degree
Master of Science in Biology
Department
Biology
Committee Chair
Day Ligon
Abstract
The Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) has declined throughout its historical range to the point that it is critically endangered; the primary driver is overharvesting by humans for consumption. To help conserve this critically endangered turtle, a head-start program was established in Belize and introductions of head-started individuals have been considered to bolster populations. I released and studied hatchling and head-started juvenile Central American River Turtles during the summers of 2021 and 2022, respectively. The goal was to determine the suitability of hatchlings and juveniles for use in conservation reintroductions, along with elucidating aspects of the ecology and life history of each life stage. I tracked and recorded habitat metrics and movements of the turtles, and at the end of each summer I recaptured as many turtles as possible to assess growth rates. Hatchlings remained close to the banks and moved along them, selecting areas with shallow water and under heavy canopy. Head-started juveniles used the same habitat as wild conspecifics; juveniles preferred habitats in the stream channel, in water several meters deep, and at the edge of the canopy. Juveniles also shifted closer to shore at night to feed on vegetation. Some hatchlings moved several kilometers, while others moved only a few meters; it is unclear why there was such great variation. Head-started juveniles showed greater variation in movement than wild juveniles, but there was variation among individuals resulting in no overall difference in movement. Both hatchlings and head-started juveniles grew in mass and other body dimensions, suggesting they could forage effectively. Survival rates could not be calculated for hatchlings due to few recaptures at the end of the study. Head-started juveniles had a slightly lower survival rate than wild juveniles, and combined survival was at least 70% for the duration of the study. Given these short-term findings of movement, growth, and survival it appears both hatchling and juvenile head-started turtles are good candidates for reintroduction, but more information about survival rates is needed to support a more robust assessment. My research also offers important information on habitat preference for the two life stages which may better inform future introduction projects and enhance their success.
Keywords
Belize, Central American River Turtle, conservation, ecology, hatchlings, juveniles, reintroductions
Subject Categories
Zoology
Copyright
© Wesley O. Smith
Recommended Citation
Smith, Wesley O., "Suitability of Reintroduction as a Tool for the Conservation of the Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys Mawii)" (2024). MSU Graduate Theses. 3990.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3990
